Disruptive Behavior Disorders in 8 to 14 Years Old Offspring’s of Opium and Heroin Dependent Parents: a Case-Control Study

Abstract Drug abuse is usually associated with behavioral disorders in children especially conduct disorder. This study investigated the behavioral disorders of children whose parents were opium or heroin dependent in compare with children whose parents were non-addicts to find the effects of drug abuse on offspring's behavior disorders by adjusting intervening factors. This case-control study, compared the behavioral disorders of 128 students (aged 8 to 14 years) in two groups of opium or heroin dependent parents and non–dependent parents (n = 64 in both groups) using Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) questionnaire. Parents of both groups were checked not to have any significant psychiatric disorder (such as personality disorder or mood disorder), major health problem, and history of divorce. To compare percentages of the two groups, chi square and if required exact test were used. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in subscales of oppositional behavior problems and problems disorders. According to the results, in case there is no psychiatric co-morbidity associated with opium and heroin abuse, drug dependency does not seem to have any effect on disruptive bahavior disorder of children. Due to study limitations, the results cannot be generalized without conducting the study on a bigger population

Comparison of Internalizing Disorders in 8-14-Year-Old Offspring of Opium and Heroin Dependent Parents: A Case-Control Study

Abstract In general, parental substance abuse is associated with children's emotional and behavioral problems. This study only investigated the internalizing problems (depression, anxiety and physical complains) in children of opioid or heroin-dependent parents in comparison with non-opioid dependent parents in order to determine the effects of drug dependency after excluding the confounding factors. This case-control study compared the internalizing problems of one hundred twenty eight 8 to 14-year-old students in two offspring groups of opioid or heroin-dependent parents (n = 64) and non opioid dependent parents (n = 64). Then we used the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Parents in both groups had no major psychiatric disorders (e.g., personality disorders, mood and anxiety disorders or psychosis), no history of major medical diseases, and no history of divorce. Analysis was performed using chi square or Fisher’s exact test. The anxiety/depression subscales in children of non opioid dependent parents were significantly higher in comparison with children of opioid or heroin-dependent parents. Substance dependence in addition to reducing parental supervision on children may cause lack of knowledge and unawareness of their children's anxiety and mood problems. Considering study limitations, study repetition in larger statistical population is necessary for generalizing the study findings. In order to assess internalizing problems in further studies, usage of behavioral checklists for self-report of children and youth is recommended